RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBERS:  BC-2003-00377
		INDEX CODE 108.01  108.10
	 	COUNSEL:  None

	 	HEARING DESIRED:  No

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records reflect service-connected disability for Post-Traumatic-Stress Disorder (PTSD).

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

Active military service and additional duties and responsibilities inflicted physical and mental health burdens on him. His entire military records should be reviewed, not just his performance reports.

The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A. 

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 18 Jan 73 for a period of four years. 

He was assigned to the XXX Communications Squadron (XX CS) in Aviano AB, Italy, as the squadron administrative specialist. His performance reports reflect he worked overtime eliminating a large inherited backlog due to the extended hospitalization of the previous specialist. He controlled classified and unclassified documents and files and typed performance reports for all assigned personnel. He also achieved his five-skill level and completed three hours of college courses. He was then assigned to the XXth Civil Engineering Flight (XX CEF), also at Aviano AB. As the squadron administrative specialist, he maintained the unit forms, records, files, sponsorship program, meal card control, suspenses, and reference library. A 27 Jan 75 career counseling record indicated he was satisfied with the Air Force but did not like his career field as it did not offer the desired challenge and opportunity for advancement.

Around 19 Nov 75, the applicant was assigned to the XXXX Support Squadron (XXXX SS) at Richards-Gebaur AFB, MO as the MAJCOM microfilm clerk. His 29 Jun 76 performance report reflected he received a considerable amount of technical training on complex equipment and procedures in support of micrographic service. The report also noted the applicant completed several courses to broaden his education, but recommended he be assigned to base level administration where he could broaden his knowledge of administration.

On 19 Aug 76, the applicant requested early release effective 17 Oct 76 so he could return to school. He had already applied for and been accepted for enrollment as a freshman at the Missouri Institute of Technology. His request was granted and, after 3 years, 8 months and 28 days of active service, he was honorably discharged in the grade of sergeant on 15 Oct 76.

His military medical records, including entries from the hospital/dispensary in Aviano, report numerous shaving waivers for pseudofolliculitis barbae and various minor acute illnesses and musculoskeletal injuries (right knee and large toe). In Aug 73, he sprained his right knee playing basketball and was seen intermittently for persistent pain into Mar 74. He was treated in Feb 76 for a small scalp laceration incurred in a fall while playing basketball. In his 24 Sep 76 separation exam, he indicated his health was good, with no medication, and he checked “yes” to “depression or excessive worry.” The physician noted a history of frequent trouble sleeping and depression since going overseas, but no treatment was sought. The available medical entries contain no references to psychiatric complaints or significant physical or emotional traumatic events.

In Mar 80, the applicant requested information from the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) with regard to a disability claim for a “leg condition” treated in Aug 73 in Aviano. No other information is available until a 1 Apr 02 DVA rating, which denied his claim for psychiatric disorder (claimed as bipolar disorder). He apparently had been denied such a claim on 31 Oct 01. Outpatient treatment reports from a Jackson MS VA Medical Center for the period 6 Jul-12 Oct 01 advised the applicant reported sleeping well and having a good appetite; diagnosis was bipolar disorder. The DVA concluded there was no objective clinical evidence of a chronic neuropsychiatric disease during his service or of a compensable psychosis within one year of discharge.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The AFBCMR Medical Consultant notes that at the time of the applicant’s separation medical exam he reported symptoms of frequent trouble sleeping and depression since going overseas but had never sought treatment, indicating the symptoms were mild. These symptoms did not interfere with duty performance and the medical records reflected ongoing participation in leisure activities. The absence of any listed claim for psychiatric condition with his 1980 DVA claim for right knee injury suggests the applicant had not yet developed significant symptoms of his subsequently diagnosed bipolar disorder. The DVA, as of Apr 02, has denied the applicant service connection for neuropsychiatric disease. Disability compensation from the Air Force is not warranted. A physical defect or condition must not merely be present but must render members unfit for duty and cut short their military career. There is no evidence of a diagnosis of PTSD in the available records or that while in the service the applicant participated in combat or experienced a significant traumatic event that can be directly linked to any subsequent diagnosis of PTSD. Denial is recommended.

A complete copy of the evaluation is at Exhibit C.

HQ AFPC/DPPD contends that neither the applicant’s service records nor his evaluation by the DVA reflects any physical or traumatic events occurred during his active duty that would justify granting his request. They agree with the AFBCMR Medical Consultant’s evaluation and recommendation that the appeal be denied.

A complete copy of the evaluation is at Exhibit D.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The applicant asserts the advisory opinions were incomplete and would not allow an unbiased favorable decision. He had many other stressful duties, especially in Aviano AB, Italy. He wants all supporting documents obtained from Air Defense Command, 14th Air Force, NATO, USAFE, and XXth Communications Squadron.

A complete copy of the applicant’s response is at Exhibit F.

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THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:

1.	The applicant has exhausted all remedies provided by existing law or regulations.

2.	The application was not timely filed; however, it is in the interest of justice to excuse the failure to timely file.

3.	Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of error or injustice warranting a service-connected disability for PTSD. The applicant has not submitted, and his available records have not revealed, convincing evidence that he was traumatized by his military service, responsibilities or duties. The applicant’s documented medical issues while in the service were not unfitting or indicative of neuropsychiatric disease. We therefore agree with the recommendations of the Air Force and adopt the rationale expressed as the basis for our decision that the applicant has failed to sustain his burden of having suffered either an error or an injustice. In view of the above and absent persuasive evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling basis to recommend granting the relief sought.   

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THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:

The applicant be notified that the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of material error or injustice; that the application was denied without a personal appearance; and that the application will only be reconsidered upon the submission of newly discovered relevant evidence not considered with this application.

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The following members of the Board considered this application in Executive Session on 28 October 2003 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

			Panel Chair
			Member
			Member

The following documentary evidence relating to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2003-00377 was considered:

  Exhibit A.  DD Form 149s (2), dated 31 Jan & 4 Feb 03.
  Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
  Exhibit C.  Letter, AFBCMR Medical Consultant, dated 16 Jul 03.
  Exhibit D.  Letter, HQ AFPC/DPPD, dated 10 Sep 03.
  Exhibit E.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 26 Sep 03.
  Exhibit F.  Letter, Applicant, dated 6 Oct 03.

                                   
                                   Panel Chair